Authorities ID Woman Found Dead in Aztec

The body of 62-year-old, Sandra Long was located in a wooded area east of the Animas River around 9:30 am on July 25, 2019. The circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Long are still under investigation and detectives are currently interviewing persons of interest in the case.

From the San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office:

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Detectives with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office are actively investigating a suspicious death of a body found in Aztec, NM. The body of 62-year-old, Sandra Long was located in a wooded area east of the Animas River around 9:30 am on July 25, 2019. The circumstances surrounding the death of Ms. Long are still under investigation and detectives are currently interviewing persons of interest in the case. The preliminary investigation shows that Long was deceased for at least a week before being located. Long was not previously reported as a missing person to law enforcement. The Sheriff’s Office does not have reason to believe that there is any immediate danger to the public in relation to this case. We are asking community members that have information regarding the death of Ms. Long to please come forward and speak to detectives. The cause of death is currently under investigation by the office of the medical investigator and those results have not been determined at this time. If you have information regarding this case please contact dispatch at 505-334-6622 and ask to speak with a San Juan County Sheriff’s Office detective.

More from Local News

  • Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

    The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.

  • Racing Commission Approves SunRay Move to Clovis

    The move will not affect the 2026 racing season in San Juan County.  Live racing is scheduled for April 17 – May 24, 2026. San Juan County has previously said that McGee Park and the San Juan County Fairgrounds would not be impacted by any changes at the casino and horse racing track.

  • *Update* Arrest Made in Child's Death

     The suspect, John Hannon, the child’s father, was arrested on 2/9/26 on unrelated charges. He was served with the following charges while at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center:

  • 90 Dogs Rescued in Bloomfield

    The rescue effort also received substantial financial support, from various donors. This outside support significantly reduced the financial impact on local resources and ensured the operation did not place a major burden on San Juan County taxpayers.

  • Resident Dies after House Fire N. of Aztec

    Crews arrived to find a structure on fire and the occupant inside.  Despite a quick response from fire crews and efforts by San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputies, one occupant was removed from the structure by firefighters and transported to the hospital by San Juan Regional Medical Center EMS. The occupant was pronounced dead at the hospital.

  • Diné College Selects New President

    Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 23°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 52°F | Low: 16°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 59°F | Low: 27°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny intervals

    High: 55°F | Low: 23°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 54°F | Low: 28°F